Our Start-Up Business Advisor Service is a free service designed to support residents of Central and South Kootenay in the early stages of starting or growing their businesses. From concept development, through testing and launching, to scaling, we offer comprehensive guidance to help you succeed.
Eligibility
This service is open to ALL entrepreneurs in the Central or South Kootenays (Creston, Kaslo, Nelson, Castlegar, Nakusp, Salmo, Fruitvale, Trail, Rossland and everywhere in-between) who are in the early years of their business journey.
Inclusivity at our core
While our Start-Up Business Advisor Service is open to all entrepreneurs in the region, we extend a special invitation to 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and young individuals under 29. We understand that these people often encounter unique challenges—such as limited access to capital and discrimination—and our goal is to provide streamlined access to services.
Meet our Start-Up Business Advisor
Amber McGregor is a seasoned business professional with over 20 years of experience in business development across various sectors in the Kootenays. Her passion is supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive, resilient communities. Amber understands the unique challenges faced by new business owners and is dedicated to guiding you through your entrepreneurial journey with personalized coaching and support
Get Started
Getting involved with our Start-Up Business Advising Service is easy. To get started sign-up for “Info Session: Where to Start with Your Start-Up” on the workshop calendar.
Whether you’re in the early stages of discovery, or creating a plan, or are trying to execute a plan you have created, we’re here to assist you to take the next step.
Info Session: Where to Start with Your Start-UpWhich Phase are you in?
At Community Futures, we recognize that every entrepreneurial journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success. Therefore, we’ve designed our Start-Up Business Advisor service to offer you the flexibility to choose precisely what aligns with your needs. Whether you’re exploring your business idea for the first time, have a plan in motion, or find yourself somewhere in between, our services can be tailored to support your journey.
Discover Your Vision
This phase represents entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of exploring the foundations of their business. During this stage, you may find yourself developing your vision, defining the ‘why’ behind your venture, and outlining the initial aspects of your business concept. It’s an opportunity to focus on your unique vision, potential customers, available resources, volumes, and your intended location.
System’s Check
Like the pre-trip check before an airplane takeoff, the System’s Check phase is when many entrepreneurs take stock of their business idea. Here, you may identify your aspirations and evaluate your existing resources. This is the stage where you discover gaps and determine what you need to bridge them, be it additional knowledge, skills, or resources.
Plan with Purpose
For those in the Planning Phase, the focus shifts to creating a plan. You may decide to use tools like the Business Model Canvas to build a visual representation of your business. Alternatively, a comprehensive business plan that includes market research, organizational structure, marketing and sales strategies, financial projections, and risk assessment may be the best approach. It could also involve developing a specific plan, such as a sales and marketing plan, a cash flow plan, or an operations plan. This phase is about turning your vision into a clear and actionable roadmap.
Execute with Passion
Finally, the Execution phase is where entrepreneurs take their plans and transform them into real-world actions. Regardless of whether you’re building a business from the ground up or focusing on growing your sales, our personalized guidance ensures that you stay aligned with your values and deeply connected to your community. This is where your entrepreneurial vision is brought to life.
So, which phase resonates most with your current entrepreneurial journey? Our Start-Up Business Advisor is here to provide the flexibility to choose the support that aligns with your unique needs, helping you make a positive impact on your community while evolving as an entrepreneur. Your journey, your choices, your success, with us as your dedicated partners.
Info Session: Where to Start with Your Start-Up
